Invention Studios - The Birdman, The Baron, And The Bat

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A percussion ensemble and art installation by Tony Orrell, Steve Hubback, and Matt Nolan

On Monday 2nd, Invention Studios is proud to play host to an amazing audio-visual spectacle, in a stunning collaboration between three of the most original independent artists and musicians in the area.

Local drumming star Tony Orrell (performing in his shamanic stage persona as the Birdman of Alkijazz) has played, recorded and toured with many of Britain's best jazz musicians including Andy Sheppard, Keith Tippet, Paul Dunmall and Spirit Level. He has also worked with Will Gregory in Goldfrapp and The Gas Giants, and has graced numerous BBC broadcasts.

Percussionist and metal sculptor Steve Hubback started his career as a professional drummer, touring the UK club scene before moving on to Europe and South Korea (with Lim Dong Chang); arguably developing the first mini-drumset during his time in Paris. In the 1990s he took up gong-making, and was soon creating steel sculptures and mobiles of all kinds (including the world’s biggest gong in Denmark). He has become well known for his fantastical gong and cymbal structures, inspired by a vivid dream in which he saw otherworldly instruments. Steve has also built sea sculptures, created pyrotechnic displays with cement mixers and has recently performed on the legendary Large Hot Pipe Organ in Birmingham and Amsterdam. Steve has put on exhibitions in numerous countries and his creations are played by Evelyn Glennie, Carl Palmer, Marilyn Mazur, Paolo Vinaccia, Chris Whitten and Paul Clarvis amongst others.

Matt Nolan lives and works in Bath – having played the drums since age 14, he currently provides the beat between the Fungus Licks boogie blues/klezmer trio. He also finds time for more esoteric work – in the creation and playing of unique metal percussion. Inspired by Steve Hubback and other independent cymbalsmiths, Matt now forges cymbals, gongs, chimes, cowbells and the like from various metals using only traditional smithing techniques – fire, hammers and water. Taking lead from Steve's work, Matt's creations also have a very visual aspect to them, fusing organic and geometric forms. Percussionist Billy Hulting and drummer Joe Travers from the band Zappa Plays Zappa both use Matt's gongs and cowbells.

Featuring original music and amazing visuals, The Birdman, The Baron, And The Bat will combine film and live feed projections, cymbal and gong sculptures, and mobiles. The three artists have combined their respective styles to create an ethereal blend of industrial, folk, tribal, and atmospheric strains, performed on instruments hand-forged from bronze and stainless steel by Steve Hubback and Matt Nolan. Come with open ears – expect otherworldly sounds and striking visuals.

Doors open at 10pm, with the performance starting at 10.30pm. It’ll be an informal, open seating event, with a fully-stocked bar open all evening, so drop in and check it out.

For more information contact Matt Nolan, email info@cymbat.com



Monday, 2 June 2008 - Main Studio


Doors Open:		10pm
Event Starts:		10:30pm
Event Ends:		Midnight

Standard Full Price:		To be announced
Concession:		To be announced
Area:		Main Studio

Steve Hubback

Matt Nolan/The Cymbat

Tony Orrel/The Birdman Of Alkijazz

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